Use of purslane (Portulaca sp.) extract as a potential feed additive on growth parameter and skin pigmentation for blue streak hap, Labidochromis caeruleus (Fryer, 1956)

Purslane (Portulaca sp.) is a widely available succulent which could be used as an additive in fish feed owing to its nutritious nature and rich pigment content. In the present study, the effects of inclusion of purslane extract in fish feed was investigated on growth and pigmentation of blue streak hap (Labidochromis caeruleus Fryer, 1956). Fish were fed on diets containing 0 (control/T0), 3 (T3), 6 (T6) and 9 g kg(-1) (T9) of purslane extract for 60 days. Positive results in terms of weight gain (0.51 g), specific growth rate (1.23%.day(-1)) and survival rate (83.33%) were observed in the group fed with 9 g kg(-1) of purslane extract for 60 days. Furthermore, it was determined that the purslane extract had positive effects on pigmentation of blue streak hap, a prominent ornamental fish. The best coloration was achieved in blue streak hap of group T6, whose Hue (H-ab degrees) angle values varied between 83.61 +/- 1.15 and 78.10 +/- 1.35. This study is the first to include purslane extract into blue streak hap diets for its effect on growth and pigmentation. Findings from this study clearly demonstrate that using purslane extracts in diet has a positive effect on growth (T9), survival rate (T6, T9) and pigmentation (T6) of blue streak hap.

Automated summary

The study found that adding purslane extract has a positive effect on the growth and pigmentation of blue streak hap, especially in diets containing 9 g/kg of the extract.